BLHS girls seek first KVL title with win

Basehor-Linwood continues to roll along, even though it has been awhile since the team was at full strength. The Bobcats blew out Sumner Academy 62-39 on Saturday and ran past Piper 72-46 on Tuesday in Basehor.

The team played without point guard Brooke Sanders in both games-Sanders is resting a high ankle sprain. Coach Noah Simpson said Sanders could play right now if the team needed her, but BLHS is resting its floor leader for sub-state. The Lady 'Cats haven't had their original starting lineup on the court since the Lansing game on Feb. 1.

"This team is truly coming together with adversity," Simpson said. "For the team to continue to progress says a lot."

BLHS jumped ahead of Piper early and led 19-7 at the end of the first quarter on the way to the win.

"Our execution was great," Simpson said. "These last couple of games we have really turned it on."

"Offensively we have been trying to spread it out a little more," Simpson said.

Basehor-Linwood guards have experience pushing the tempo. Ashley Jeannin and Michelle Chrisman have been bringing up the ball the last few games when the team is in their set offense.

Chrisman, in fact, stepped up in a big way against Sumner. The senior had 22 points and hit four 3-pointers.

The score was tied 24-24 at halftime. Simpson stressed the importance of making a second half run and playing their style of basketball. The coach implored his team to show they were ready for sub-state. The Lady 'Cats subsequently rolled off a big second half to easily pull away.

Lombardino had only five points.

BLHS has now won six straight games since losing to Tonganoxie after beginning the year 12-0.

The pair of wins improves the team's record to 18-1 with Bonner Springs to come on Friday.

The Bobcats have already assured themselves of the number one seed in sub-state. That distinction was secured with the victory over Sumner.

A win over Bonner would assure the team of at least a share of the KVL title, a first in the programs history. BLHS is 10-1 in league right now, as is Tonganoxie. The school's split their regular season games.

Simpson wrote three goals on the chalkboard before the season: 1. Have fun, 2. Become league champions, 3. Become sub-state champions.

With a league title in their sights, Simpson doesn't believe there is any chance his team will be caught napping. He expects them to play well when they tip off against Bonner on Friday.